Cupping back in vogue in Chennai for health, cosmetic benefits

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Cupping therapy, an ancient Chinese alternative medicine which uses cups to create suction on the skin, hit the popularity peaks among athletes few years ago. Ever since ace swimmer Michael Phelps took a lap with purple cupping marks on his back, the therapy received global attention, including India’s.

Chennai:

This alternative healing practice is now back in trend in the city, not just among athletes, but also among several others who are looking to cupping for its cosmetic benefits.

Actress Sanjana Singh is one among the many in the city who are finding cupping not only therapeutic for their illnesses, but also helping in improving overall health. “Cupping is not just about the outer beauty. It has a great effect on general wellness of a person. I have been using the therapy for few months now and it has been extremely helpful with my back pain and improving the glow in my face. I had visited several doctors for back issues, but nothing has helped me as well as cupping did,” Sanjana says.

A cupping practitioner in the city, Dr MA Fenazir, says the practice has been finding new takers over the past few months, particularly for treatments like cupping facial. The facial has won fans internationally, with singer Katy Perry, recently confessing her love for it. “Earlier, cupping was seen as a treatment majorly for stress, back pain or knee pains, particularly among sportspeople. But, of late, people are growing more open to explore its cosmetic benefits too. Facial cupping is the most popular among the treatments we offer,” says Fenazir.

While the practice might appear a bit intimidating, it involves just creating suction using cups, adds Fenazir. “There are no side effects to the treatment as it is non-invasive. Creation of suction helps in better blood flow throughout the body. Even though the practice is many centuries old, many from the young generation are keen to try it to see its benefits,” she points out.

Entrepreneur Sruti Nakul has also been seeking the therapy on a regular basis for leg pains and other issues. “Even though cupping might look a bit scary and painful at first, I found that there was so much relief once I took the treatment. Facial cupping has also helped immensely in improving my facial glow,” she says.

The cupping marks, which a lot of athletes don’t seem to mind showing off, usually fade away within 10 days and don’t leave a scar, she adds.﻿